Arts & Culture

Top Spots To Read Your Book With Coffee In Denver

As the weather starts to cool off and the leaves begin to change, it is a great time to go visit your favorite coffeehouse, bring your new book and get lost for a few hours while you relax in a comfortable chair. There are so many amazing independent coffeehouses in Denver that you could visit a new one every day for the next month or two. However, when you are looking to find a good reading spot, then there are a few things that truly matter; the coffee, the food and the available seating. Get all three and you are in coffee heaven. Here are five great places to read while you sip on some delicious java.

When it comes to coffeehouses in Denver, there is only one that has literally been blessed by the Pope. In 1993, the Pope was visiting Denver for World Youth Day, and a series of eager letters between the owner of St. Mark’s and the Pope resulted in a letter blessing the coffeehouse and a rosary from the Pope himself. Today, St. Mark’s stands, perhaps because of divine intervention, as one of the premier independent coffeehouses in Denver. You can enjoy some of the best coffee this side of the Vatican, with a plethora of fresh-baked pastry treats. Free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating (both indoors and out) create a comfortable and relaxed vibe.

For more than 30 years, Common Grounds has been a popular spot for coffee connoisseurs. A lot of big-name politicians have sipped the java here, including Hillary Clinton during the 1996 campaigns. The coffeehouse has moved, and its new location is perfect to get lost in a book while enjoying a fabulous cup of coffee. And this spot is certainly literature-friendly, as you’ll note by the bookshelves lining the walls. You can also enjoy a board game or two, or taste some delicious ice cream or other yummy treats. Plus, the coffee here is also independently roasted, so you are also getting some truly special coffee.

Don’t let the website fool you. This plain site indicates that this premier coffee shop may not be that great to visit, however, you can trust the regulars that love stopping by Bardo again and again. The coffee here is certainly tasty, as Bardo features Kaladi coffee, plus you can get some of the best ice cream in town from Sweet Action. Bardo also has some very late hours, so there when you find yourself with lots of chapters to read and a lot of work to do, you can head down to Bardo for a late-night cram session. Ample seating means you won’t be waiting for a place to relax, and free Wi-Fi plus tons of delicious goodies means you’ll not want to leave.

Crema is hip. Crema, in fact, may look a little too hip to be as approachable as it really is. Located in the middle of downtown Denver, this surprisingly comfortable, yet exceedingly stylish coffee joint is certainly worth your time. The hours are limited, so it’s best for those looking to spend a few daytime hours sipping on this delicious java. There is plenty of seating and a lot of amazing coffee to try, and you can easily enjoy getting lost in your next book here. However, what really makes Crema stand out is the food menu. You won’t be stuck with another croissant or scone here, instead you can dine on a sweet potato waffle or pork belly bahn mi. Try the Moroccan meatball or the best PB&J you’ve ever had with date-balsamic jam, chevre and peanut almond butter. Bring your book to Crema and you can easily spend hours here enjoying the impressive food and amazing coffee.

There is a reason that the website for Hooked on Colfax links directly to its Yelp page. It’s because the customers that visit this popular coffeehouse love it, and they aren’t afraid to tell the world. The coffee is delicious and there are a lot of great food items to enjoy, plus a lot of vegan food options as well. You’ll also find lots of super comfortable seats. It’s also worth noting that there are many outlets here, so many outlets that you can easily bring your laptop and work for hours. When it comes to getting lost in a book, you can sink down into a comfortable seat, sip on some yummy coffee and enjoy a tasty pastry.

Deborah Flomberg is a theater professional, freelance writer and Denver native. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.